WJW Channel 8 sportscaster Allie LaForce is leaving Cleveland to become the co-host of CBS Sports Network's new late-night show, "Lead Off." Featuring commentary and debate on top sports stories, it will air at midnight Monday-Friday, starting Oct. 22.

LaForce's "Lead Off'' co-host will be Doug Gottlieb. They are honing their act this week as contributors on "Rome," which airs 6-6:30 p.m. on CBS' sports-oriented cable channel.

The mission for "Lead Off," according to a CBS Sports Network release, is to "provide perspective on the sports news of the day, advancing the storylines fans will be discussing in the morning." Produced by Dick Clark Productions, the program will originate from CBS Sports Network's studio in Orange County, Calif.

Although LaForce, 23, no longer will be seen on Channel 8 newscasts, she will be flying back to Cleveland for the rest of this season as a contributor to the station's "Friday Night Touchdown" (on each remaining 11p.m. Friday installment except this week's).

A Vermilion native and 2005 Miss Teen USA winner, LaForce joined Channel 8 in May 2011 after a stint as a color analyst, sideline reporter, and studio host at SportsTime Ohio. She also had been a studio host covering the Mid-American Conference and various high school championships.

LaForce was graduated magna cum laude from Ohio University's Honors Tutorial College with a degree in broadcast journalism. She was a member of the Ohio University women's basketball team for two years before leaving to start her broadcasting career.

In 2005, LaForce won the Miss Ohio Teen USA title. She then became the first Miss Teen USA from Ohio.

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